Tobacco box

Unknown

18th century · Brass, copper · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

The box is a long octagon. The lid is engraved with a view of a city, and inscribed: s hertogenbos. The tower of St. Jan's church, probably the most characteristic feature of the 's Hertogenbosch skyline, is not recognizable. This may indicate that an idealized city view is rendered here, to which the name of any town could be added. The underside shows an empty cartouche which appears to be suspended from the top of the box and is surrounded by leaf scrolls and branches. The cartouche was probably meant to hold the coat of arms of 's Hertogenbosch (similar to the reverse side of Number IV, 3)· Two sunbursts are depicted at the sides. With lined rims and molded edges. On the front side is engraved a vase of flowers from which branches extend. A similar box is in the collection of Het Nederlands Openluchtmuseurn in Arnhem.

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th century

Medium

Brass, copper

Culture

Dutch

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Bequest of Flora E. Whiting, 1971